Collapsible structure



Aug. 19 1924. 1,505,221

J. J. SHEA,, JR

COLLAPS IBLE STRUCTURE Filed May 13, 1921 25 Sheets-Sheet 1 ATTORNEY Aug. 19 1924.

' 1,505,221 .1. .1. SHEA, JR

COLLAPSIBLE STRUCTURE" Filed May 13 1921 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 lNVENTOR ATTORNEY Aug. 19 1924.

J. J. SHEA, JR

COLLAPSIBLE STRUCTURE Filed May 15 1921 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR Mil/w,

ATTORNEY Patented Aug. 19, 1924.

UETED JOHN J. SHEA, an, or ELM'HuR-si, ew roan.

COLLAPSIBLE STRUGTURE.

Application filed May 13, 1921. Serial No. 469,084.

T 0 all whom it may concern: I I I Be it known that 1, JOHN J. SHEA, Jr., a citizen of the United States, residing at Filmhurst, in the county of Queens and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Collapsible Structures, of which the following is a fulhclear, and exact description, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same. I

This invention relates to collapsible structures of wood or metal and the principles involved therein are susc'eptibleof numerous and varied applications. It is especially useful in connection with shipping containers,

portable buildings of various descriptions, car construction, furniture and the like.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved structure of the class mentioned which may readily be collapsed into a unit of small volume as compared with its volume when expanded, and when so collapsed, forms a compact self-contained unit.

Another object is to provide a" structure of the class mentioned which, when expanded, forms a rigid structure the elements whereof are firmly locked in cooperative relationship, and which is useful in divers applications.

A further object is to provide an improved collapsible structure in which the parts are assembled in cooperative relationship in expanded form for various uses, or the parts may be disassembled and grouped into a small unit portable in character, with amin'imum of time and effort, the ope-rations of disassembling and assembling. requiring no special skill. I

Still another object is to provide an improved collapsible structure adapted for divers uses and utilizing readily detachable members assembled when detached into a single element of the structure andforming a compact unit of relatively small volume susceptible of easytransportation and convenient for storage.

Another object is to provide an improved self-locking structural joint for rigidly supporting one structure or member at an angle to another, and which is capable of easy assembly or disassembl'y. I I

Other objects will be inpart obvious in connection with the following detailed description and in part pointed out in connection therewith.

In the accompanying drawing forming a part of this specification, in which are shown several illustrative embodiments of the in vention; I I

Figure .1 is a perspective view of a construction embodying the inventionthe parts being partially disassembled for clearness of disclosure. I

Fig. 2 is 'a fragmentary enlarged transverse sectional view taken approximately on the-line 22 of Fig. 1, looking in the directi'on of the arrow, and showing the improved joint construction embodied in the i-'nventi0n.- y I I Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the coinstruc tion shown in F lg. 2. 1 I

Fig. 4t is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view taken approximately on the line 4%& of Fig. 2. I

Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing. the disassembled complementary members of the joint between the upper end of apost and one end of a transverse brace. I I

Fig. 6- is a detail view of a locking mech anism for the slats of the structure.

F ig.- 7 is an enlarged perspective view, similar to'Fig. 5, but showing the complementary members of the joint at the opposite endof the brace from that shown in F 5.

Fig. 8' is a transverse sectional View taken approximately at the line 88 of Fig. 1 showing the parts assembled.

Fig. 9 is a detailed fragmentary view showing the locking bar for the floor doors 10 is afragmentary detailed view of amodification.

Fig. 11 is a sectionalview corresponding v to Fig, 2, but showing a modification of the joint for securing a post in position.

Fig. 12-is a sectional view on the line" 12 -12 of Fig. 11. II

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary detailed enlarged view corresponding to Fig. 2 but showing a modified construction.

Fig. 14 isian elevation of the upper end. of the post shown at the right in Fig, 13.

Referring to the drawing. for a detailed description of the disclosed embodiments of the invention, and first to Figs. 1 to 9, a base section or unit is indicated at 1 and a superstri'icture is indicated generally at 2. The base section preferably includes longitudinal sidesills 3, an intermediate; longitudinal sill 4, transverse end sills 5, and an intermediate transverse sill 62 The base is provided with a lower external floor or sheathing 7, and an upper floor principally comprised in doors 8 hinged to the side sills and closing on the upper surface of the central longitudinal sill a. This construction provides compartments A between the upper and lower floors for storage of the elements of the superstructure to be later described.

The doors 8 are provided at the free edges thereof with rabbets 9 for receiving longitudinal locking bars 10 having a stiffening-rib 10 on its lower face. The bars 10 lie flat with. the upper surface of the doors forming a smooth surface, which is desirable in use in the many applications of the unit. Each locking bar 10 is preferably provided at one end with a tongue 11 adapted to engage in an opening in an end plate 12 secured to the end sill, and at its opposite end with a slot 18 for receiving a staple 1a to which a suitable pad lock or similar locking device may be applied. As will be seen, two similar locking bars are preferably employed in practice, connected by tongues 11 to opposite end plates 12, and meeting at the center of length of the base section, as will be clear from Fig. 1. The detachable knockdown superstructure 2 comprises upright posts 15 arranged in spaced opposed relationship along the opposite .side sills 3, to which they are a tached by means ofimproved structural joints forming a part of this invention. The posts 15 are secured and braced in position by means of transverse braces 16, the opposite ends of which are specially formed to cooperate with complementary post formations for providing rigid joints therebetween which are easily assembled or disassembled and are self-locking in position. The ad jacent transverse frames formed by. a pair of posts with connecting braces, may be laterally braced by means of rods 17, shown as attached to the transverse braces in any desirable manner, such as by securing plates 17. One pair of posts, with connecting brace 16, is disposed adjacent each end of the base section, and one pair substantially intermediate thereof, but it is obvious that as many pairs of posts as desired may be employed in therconstruction of any given unit. For completely closing the structure when expanded, suitable panels or slats 18 are supported by the posts 15, channel mem-' here 19 being provided for this purpose, for slidably receiving the ends of these panels. The channel members take any desired form, but are preferably of metal and are secured to the faces of the posts in inclined position so that the slats when supported therein overlap each other from above forming an effective watershed. Each slat, except the lowest, may be provided with one or more clips 20 which are preferably Z shaped in section and have their downwardly extended flanges disposed to receive the upper edge for the next adjacent lower panel or slat for holding these elements in relative positions and preventing the same from springing away from each other. Top slats 21 are held in channel sections 22, similar to the channel members l9, and are secured to the opposed faces of the adjacent cross braces 16. These channels 22 may be overlapped from above, supporting the slats in inclined overlapping relationship, so as to form watershedding surfaces as shown in Figs. 1 and 8. Securing clips 23, preferably of Z-section, similar to clips 20, may also be provided on slats 21 engaging the edges of adjacent slats for holding them in position.

The upper most side slat (Figs. 1 and 6) is provided with one or more locking devices shown as a locking bar 24, pivoted to the slat, the upper end thereof being adapted to engage slot 25 in the lowermost roof slat 21 for locking all the slats in position. It will be noted that the ed e of the lower roof slat overlies the upper edge of the uppermost wall slat preventing upward move ment of the latter. It will therefore be seen that the side wall and top wall slats are, securely locked in position from removal from without, but may be released from within by operation of the locking levers 24L,

The ends of the superstructure may be closed by swinging doors 26, hinged to the end posts. These doors are hung to swing outwardly and are preferably mounted by means of special detachable hinges 27 incapable of detachment from without, but readily detachable from within the structure. This hinge forms the subject-matter of a companion application, Serial No, 469,358 filed May 13, 1921, and further disclosure herein is considered unnecessary. The doors may of course be provided with suitable locking means.

Each post is detach-ably secured to the base section by special joint construction comprising, as shown in Figs. 2 and l, a tenon 28 on the end of the post which may be co-extensive' in thickness with the thick ness of the post, and having a lateral inwardlyextending projection or'arm 29 with a terminal stop or toe 30. The outwardly disposed side of said tenon, or that opposed to too 30, is curved approximately/on the arc of a circle as shown at 31, the tenon being preferably thickened adjacent its attachment to the post for stiffening the same as shown in Fig. 2.

A complementary recess or mortise is provided in a framin'g member of the base section for receiving the tenon 28 and has an overhanging wall 33 overlying the lateral extension of the tenon, and disposed in the angle between the latter and,- the thickened portion thereof. The mortise is provided with a curved wall corres ondin to the curved wall of the 'teii'dn, andis otherwise formed to cooperate with the walls or faces of the tenon for stipporting the latter securely in position. 0116;01- more drain apertures 34 maybe provided leading downwardly from the mortise permitting the escape of dirt, inoistnre or other foreign matter. i

As shown at the right in Fig. 2 and in Fig. 7, the upper end of the post is 'provided with a recess or morti'se 35, somewhat similar in formation to the mortise 32, and has a downwardly extending recess for receiving a laterally offset toe 36 of a tenon 37. The wall 38 is disposed to underlie the offset portion or toe 36 and cooperate with the same toprevent removal of the brace 16 except by a transverse swinging movement of the latter. This tenon is preferably formed by cutting away portions of the brace 16 across the'lower face thereof as indicated at 39, and cutting away a portion thereof above the tenon forming a recess as indicated at 40, the lateral remaining portions providing walls 41 between which is received a complementary tenon 42 on the inner faces of the upper end of. said post and spaced above said mortise 35. These mutually engaging parts aflord a joint specially rigid when assembled. as overlies tenon 37 when in assembled position, preventing disengagement of the parts by upward movement of the "brace, while movement thereof to the leftis"prevented by the engagement of the overhanging wall 38 with the toe 36. It will thus be seen that a self-locking joint is'prolvided incapable of dis'assembly except by swinging movement of the brace, as will be u'n-- derstood. p

The joint between the opposite end of brace 16 and the upper end of the opposite post 15 comprises complementary formations on brace and post 'engageable by lateral movement of one with respect to the other. For this purpose as shown in Figs. 2 and 5, the end portion ofthe cross brace is provided near its upper surface with a recess or mortise 43 having afdown wardly extended pocket 44 with wall lying therebetween and the end of the brace. The post is provided with a projection or tenon 16, extending from the inner face thereof and having a downwardly project-- ing lug a7 for engaging in'pocketetfthe tenon 46 being adapted to be received in mortise 43. A. locking device is provided for holding the complemlentary parts of the joint in engagement, comprising a block 48, telescopically mounted in a pocket49 in the face of the post and secured in position by a leaf-spring 50 secured to the- It will be noted that the tenon post aha tensioned to hold the locking b 1001;

parts have reached final engaging position as clearly shown in Fig. '2 of thedrawing. 'In this position, the parts are positively held from 1'-'e'moval in any direction by inter-engagement of the complementary parts of the joint, the lock block 48 supporting the brace in assembled position. It will be obvious that the parts may readily bedisassembled by pressing the locking block 48 inwardly so as to "release the end of. the

brace 16 to downward movement.

From the foregoing description, it will be perceived'that a complete rigid "structure "canbe assembled from its component part-s. It'c'an readily be disassembled and collected In the compartments A provided.

in the base sectionto form a compact unit of small volume and of portable character.

Assumlngthe elements'of the superstructure to be stored in the compartments A,

and it is desired to erect the superstructure for use, the lock is removed from the looking bar 10, and the latter taken out to permit the doors '8 to be opened and the stored elements of the superstructure to be removed. The doorsmay then be closed and the locking bar replaced forming a smooth floorsurface for the compartment, 01;- they may be left open and upwardly turned against the near faces of the posts leaving the storage'compartments A available for storage purposes.

To attach the posts to the base section. the tenor! formation '28 is inserted into its respective mortise, while the post inclines inwardly as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 2. -The post isthen swung outwardly into verticalposition, theteno'n sliding'into posit on in its mortise and the lateral extendng arm 29 engaging beneath the overhang- Ingwall 33. The toe-30 ofthe tenon engages against the end of the mortise pre venting out-ward movement of the post he yond its vertical position. hen two opposite posts arethus placed in position, the tenon 37 of the cross brace 16 is inserted into its mortise 40, while the brace inclines downwardly as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 24 The'brace is "then swung upwardly causing the toe 36 to move into position in the downwardly extending pocket of said mortise, the complementary tenon 42 on the post overlying tenon 37, locking the parts firmly in position as'clearly shown in Fig. 2. At the same time the complementary formations at-the opposite end of brace 16 andtheu'pper end of the'opposite post, move intoengagem'ent as shown in Fig. 2, the

end of the tenon riding over the locking spring 50, the parts being locked in final "engaging position as will be obvious. When this occurs, it will be seen that all the joints are locked rigidly in engaging position in which it will be impossible to disengage them except by operations the reverse of those just described. I

To complete the superstructure after the post and cross braces have been assembled, the slats 18 are slid into position in the channels 19 with the downwardly extended flanges of the'Z-bars 20 extending over the upper edges of the adjacent slats holding same securely in position. The top slats 21 are similarly placed in their respective channels 22, the flanges of the Z-bars 28 engaging adjacent edges thereof. The locking devices 24 on the upper wall slats are engaged in slots 25 of t e top slats, thus looking all the slats in position so as not to be removable from the outside. TVhen the doors are hung in position the structure is completedand ready for use. The braces 17 extending between adjacent cross braces 16 assist in rigidifying the structure.

In the modification shown in Fig. lO-the post 15 is pivoted with lateral blocks or braces secured thereto near the base thereof said braces having bottom shoulders adapted to engage the upper surface of the base structure when in position to support and brace the same against lateral stresses.

As shown in Figs. 11 and 12 the post 15 may be braced against movement in one direction by a supplemental brace member 61, disposed closely adjacent to the post, and having a tenon 62 similar to the post tenon 28 but faced in the opposite direction therefrom. The supplemental bracing member is adapted tobe received in a complementary mortise in the base section 1 disposed contiguous to the mortise for the post 15. The two mortises are disposed side by side but facing in opposite direction 3 to receive the post and brace respectively.

The post 15 is engaged with the base structure by entering the tenon 28* and swinging from a dotted to a full line position as indicated in Fig. 11 in a manner similar to that described above. The brace member 61 is similarly engaged with its mortise, by movement thereof from dotted line to full line positions as shown in Fig. 11 until its shank 61 aligns with the post. A pin 63 is then slid into. the aligning openings 64: in the post and brace respectively, locking the two firmly together. The toes 80 and 65 of the post and brace respectively engage the extremities of the mortises and function to brace the post in opposite direc: tions, locking the latter firmly in position in the base structure. It will thus be seen that the post is rigidly braced in upright position in the base structure without employment of additional transverse bracing means, such as the brace 16 described above. It Wlll therefore be obvious that this type of joint is well adapted for rigidly securing sponding to posts 15 of Figs. 1 to 7 are of metallic channels having webs 71 and inwardly directed flanges 72. The cross braces between the upper ends of these posts is formed of a metallic channel member 73 having downwardly directed flanges 74 and a horizontal web 75. The complementary jolnt members for connecting the posts are formed of cast metal blocks 76 and 76 secured between the flanges of the posts, and blocks 77 and 77 secured bet-ween the de pending flanges at the opposite ends of the brace. It will be noted that the web overlies the joint at the left in Fig. 13 providing an effective protection against moisture, dirt, etc. It will be understood that tenons are formed at the lower ends of the channel posts similar to tenons 29 on posts 15, and for this purpose, castings similar to castings 76 and 76 may be secured between the flanges at the lower ends of the posts. Inasmuch as the joint formations at the lower ends of the posts are similar to those shown in Fig. 2 further description of them is considered unnecessary.

The joint shown at the left in Fig. 13 is similar to that shown at the right in Fig. 2, and corresponding parts are correspondingly numbered with the addition of the exponent a. The joint at the right, however, is modified somewhat from that shown at the left in Fig. 2 for adapting it for metallic construction. As will be seen from the drawing, the casting 76? projects a short distance beyond the end of post 70 being formed on the inner face with a mortise or recess 78 for receiving the tenon 79 on the casting 77 This recess is provided adjacent its'lateral walls with depending walls or extensions 80 for receiving the tenon as the brace is swung upwardly into position. These walls not only provide additional support for the tenon but act as guides therefor as it moves home, and provide supports for a locking pin 81 passing through openings therein and engaging the lower side of the tenon. It will also be noted that the tenon 29 is disposed on the brace memher and the mortise 28 on the post, as distinguished from the reversed arrangement of corresponding parts as shown in Fig. 5. In other respects the joints shown in modification of Figs. 13 and 1 1 are similar to those described above in connection with Figs. 1 to 7 The method of assembly is similar to that described above in connection with Figs. 1

to 7 and need not be repeated here in detail. It will be noted, however, that the tenon 37 on brace 73 is inserted in itsmortise While the brace inclines downwardly its opposite end, the latter then being swung upwardly on said tenon as a pivot. until tenon 79 enters between the depending walls 80 of the joint block 76 being then moved home into its complementary mortise. I The pin 81 is inserted below the tenon holding the parts firmly in assembled position.

As many changes could be made inthe above construction and many apparently widely different embodiments ofthisinvention could be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is intended'that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the language used in the following claimsis in tended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described,

, comb nation, a base unit, a superstructure, having posts adapted to be detachably' secured to said base unit, a brace adapted todetachablycngage adjacent posts, slats detachably engaging said posts, and means accessible only from the interior for locking the slats in position.

3. In a collapsible structure, in combination a base unit a su erstructure.havin t 9 I 7 4 i. i b

posts adapted to be detachably secured to said base unit, a brace adapted to detachably engage adjacent posts, means in said base unit for storing the elements of said superstructure when collap ed, f rming a compact self-contained unit "of relatively small volume and portable in character.

4. In a collapsible structure, in combination, a base unit, a superstructure having posts adapted to be detachably secured to said base unit, a brace adapted to detachably engage adjacent posts, said base unit having a compartment for storing the elements of said superstructure when collapsed, forming a compact self-contained unit of relatively small volume and portable in character, closure means for said, compartment, and means for locking said closure means in closed pos tion.

5. In a collapsible structure,in combination, a base unit, a superstructure including structural members detachably co-operating with each other and with saidbase unit to form a housing of relatively large dimensions, said base unit being provided with a compartment for receiving said structural members, and closure means for said C0111; partnient, whereby said superstructure may be packedinto said base unit to form a compact self-contained unit of relatively small dimensions and portablev in character.

.6. ln a'collapsible structure, in combination, abase' structure, a superstructure therefor comprising frame members movable into locking engagement with said structure and readily assembled or disassembled without use of special tools, and a compartment in said base for receiving the framemembers of said superstructure. 1

7. In collapsible structure, in combina tion, a base structure, a superstructure there-. for comprising frame members movable into locking engagement with said structure and readily assembled or disassembled without useof special tools, a compartment in said base for receiving the frame members of said superstructure, and means on said base structure for securing said members, in said compartmentforming a compact. unit of relativelysmall dimensions and port-able in said posts and having terminal joint formations complementary respectively with the joint formations on said posts whereby said race be. moved into locking engagement with both of said posts by asingle swinging movement thereof. 1

9. In a collapsible structure, in combination, opposed, posts having means at the lower ends for detachably securing them to the base structure, one of said posts having a mortise with a downwardly extend ing pocket, a cross brace extending between said posts having a tenon at one end for extending into said mortise and pocket, and means for automatically locking the opposite end of saidbrace to: the other of said opposed posts when said tenon is moved into engagement into said pocket.

10. In a collapsible structure, in combination, opposed posts. one of said posts having a joint formation with a downwardly extending pocket, a, wall overlying said; pocket,-the other of saidpostshaving a oint cross brace is movable into locking engagetion, opposed posts, a transverse brace ex ment with both of said posts by single swinging movement thereof.

11. In a collapsible structure, n combinatending between. said posts, and complementary joint formations at the opposite ends of said brace and on said posts whereby said brace is movable into positively locking engagement with said posts by a single swinging movement thereof.

12. In a collapsible structure, in combination, opposed posts, a transverse brace extending between said posts, complementary joint formations at the opposite ends of said brace and on said posts whereby said brace is movable into positively locking engagement with said posts by single swinging movement thereof, and a base element for receiving said posts, said base element and the lower ends of said posts having complementary formations whereby they may be positively engaged by a relative swinging movement thereof.

13. In a collapsible structure, in combination, opposed posts, a transverse brace eX- tendingv between said posts, complementary formations at the opposite ends of said brace and on said posts whereby said brace is movable into positively locking engagement with said posts by a single swinging movement thereof, slats for said structure, and means on said posts and brace for detachably supporting said slats.

14:. In a collapsible structure, in combination, opposed posts, a transverse brace extending between said posts, complementary formations at the opposite ends of said brace and on said posts whereby said brace is movable into positively locking engagement with said posts by a single swinging movement thereof, slats for said structure, means on said posts and brace for detachably supporting said slats, and locking means accessible only from within for holding said slats in position. I

15. In a collapsible structure, in combination, opposed posts, a transverse brace extending between said posts, complementary format-ions at the opposite ends of said brace and on said posts whereby said brace is movable into positively locking engagement withsaid posts, by a single swinging movement thereof, a base element for receiving said posts, said base and the lower ends of said posts having complementary joint for mations whereby they may be positively engaged by a relatively swinging movement thereof. 7

16. In a collapsible structure, in combination, opposed posts,.a transverse brace extending between said posts, complementary formations at the opposite ends of said brace and on said posts whereby said brace is nation, opposed posts, a transverse brace extending between said posts, complementary formations at the opposite ends of said brace and on said posts whereby said brace is movable into positively locking engage- 17. In a collapsible structure, in combiment with said posts by a swinging movement thereof, a base element for receiving said posts, said base and the lower ends of said posts having complementary formations whereby they may be positively engaged by a relatively swinging movement thereof, and a supplemental brace member for one of said posts adapted to positively engage said base member by swinging movement thereof in a direction opposite to the swinging engaging movement of said post.

18. In combination, a post, a base-structure for said post, means for positively engaging said post with said structureby relative swinging movement, a brace for said post engageable with said structure I by swinging movement opposed to the swinging engaging movement of said post, and means for-securing said brace tosaid post.

19. In combination, a post, a base structure for said post, means for positively engaging said post with said structure by relative swinging movement, and .a brace for said post engageable with said structure by swinging movement opposed to the engaging swinging movement of said post, means for securing said brace to said post, said post, and said brace being provided with oppositely facing toes adapted for engaging the 21. A receptacle including a base, meansv attached to said base and providing the side walls and top for said receptacle, and means forming a part of one of said portions and providing a subsidiary receptacle associated with the receptacle proper.

22. A crate including a base, means providing side walls and a top for said base, said parts being normally interlockedwith ing adapted to interlockingly engage with,

each other, and means within the body of the crate and cooperating with one of the.

portions aforementioned whereby said part may be separated from the parts which it normally engages.

24. A crate including a base, side walls and a lid portion, said parts being normally interlockingly engaged with each other, and means associated with one of said side Walls and cooperating with said lid to normally retain the same in position, said means being capable of being manipulated to permit the removal of said lid portion from the side walls which it engages.

25. A crate including a base formed with a pair of recesses disposed adjacentto and diverging with respect to each other, side walls for said crate, a lid attached to said side walls, posts forming a part of said side walls, a tenon forming a part of one of said posts and adapted to extend into one of said recesses, a second tenon forming a part of another post and extending into the second of said recesses, said latter posts being disposed adjacent to each other and means 00* operating with said posts for normally preventing movement of one with respect to the second of the same.

26.' A crate including a base, side walls f and a lid portion, posts forming a part of said tain of said parts, others of said part-s being formed with complementary recesses, Said tenons normally extending into said recesses.

27. A crate including a base, side walls and lid portion, channel members forming apart of said side walls, blocks'positioned adjacent to one of the ends of certain of said channel members, an extended portion forming a part of each of said blocks and projecting beyond the end of the channel member with which it is associated, the next adjacent part of said crate being formed withthe recess corresponding in configuration to the shape of said extended portion.

In testimony whereof I aiiix my signature, in the presence of two witnesses.

JOHN J. SHEA, JR.

M. 'A. V GASHIN.

side walls, curved tenons associated with cer- 

